NCCC plans inauguration events for new president

March 22, 2013

SARANAC LAKE - Steve Tyrell has been on the job since last June, but he hasn't yet been inaugurated as president of North Country Community College. That will change when the college hosts the formal inauguration of its sixth president early next month.

The ceremony is scheduled for 3 p.m. April 5 at NCCC's Sparks Athletic Complex in Saranac Lake. Nancy Zimpher, chancellor of the State University of New York, will conduct Tyrell's formal installation as president. The event is open to the public.

Formal inauguration ceremonies are a long-standing SUNY tradition, according to NCCC.

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NCCC President Steve Tyrell(Enterprise file photo)

"Inauguration activities afford the College the opportunity to celebrate its excellence in programs and instruction, as well as its future plans, with faculty, staff, students, community members, municipal leaders and others committed to the success of the College," a college press release said.

In the days leading up to the inauguration, the college will host a series of events under the theme, "The Power of Learning and Community: Continuing a Legacy of Excellence." At noon on April 3, the college's Student Government Association will host a photo contest and unveil its own version of the "Harlem Shake," an Internet meme that went viral earlier this year. In the NCCC Connector building, Carol Vossler's art students will display a "Daffodil Forest" in advance of Saranac Lake's Daffest celebration.

From 7 to 9 p.m. April 3, music, drama and dance performances by NCCC faculty, staff and students will be showcased at Pendragon Theatre.

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Additional events are scheduled at NCCC's Saranac Lake campus, as well as its campuses in Malone and Ticonderoga.

Tyrell was appointed president last April after an extensive search that included a series of community interviews with four finalists. Before that, Tyrell served as vice president of student affairs at Alfred State College.

Tyrell, a native of Mooers in Clinton County, said he was thrilled to return to the North Country to lead NCCC.

"Working with community leaders to advance workforce partnerships extends the impact of NCCC throughout our sponsoring counties," he said in the release. "I am honored to have joined a group of highly dedicated professionals who prepare our graduates to excel in the region and beyond."

"Dr. Tyrell's experience and vision for our Community College promises to bring us into a new era of quality education, workforce training and regional initiatives for the benefit of all in Franklin and Essex Counties," NCCC Board of Trustees Chairman Gerald Blair said in the press release.